AWS launches 5G service, officially enters the mobile network market

Amazon Web Services (AWS) has launched the AWS Private 5G service, officially entering the private mobile network market.

In fact, the name Private 5G is a bit exaggerated. AWS Chief Evangelist Jeff Barr clarified in the announcement that this service "currently only supports 4G LTE (Long Term Evolution), but will definitely support 5G in the future." So as long as we put aside the term 5G, this new AWS service is worth our serious attention.

This service is directly aimed at enterprise customers, allowing users to deploy their own private mobile network "within a few days". Friends who are used to managed services and click-and-use may not be used to this experience that requires a deployment cycle. Private 5G has a wide coverage area, both indoors and outdoors, and can work with other service solutions such as AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM).

Admittedly, AWS is a little late to the private 5G party. Other vendors, such as FreedomFi, have long provided plug-and-play CBRS (Citizens Broadband Radio Service) gateways, small cells, and SIM cards based on open standards/open source software.

AWS is an important alternative to Wi-Fi networks. This service does not require application to telecom operators for the construction of more signal towers. It can easily communicate with actuators/sensors in smart factories and can also greatly improve the network connection effect of portable devices.

Although it is highly scalable, the entire facility installation process still has certain technical barriers. AWS explained, "The CBRS band in the United States requires installation by technicians with radio professional certification (CPI)." They are planning to establish a corresponding business ecosystem to help more customers easily use this network kit.

Although users can order their own kit (which includes a wireless transmitter that needs to be connected to both power and the Internet, as well as ten SIM cards), installers must enter the base station's latitude, longitude, and altitude parameters themselves.

In addition, AWS's new technology services are generally expensive. Although there is no need to pay any upfront costs or per-device usage fees, users still need to bear the service cost of $10 per hour, and the contract period is at least 60 days. Private 5G services also include many hardware restrictions. For example, each network can only support one wireless transmission base station, which can provide a maximum data throughput of 150 Mbps and can be shared by up to 100 SIM cards. AWS plans to further increase the number of SIM cards and wireless transmission base stations in the future.

The service also has geographical restrictions. Currently, Private 5G service only supports two regions: the eastern United States (Ohio and Northern Virginia) and the western United States (Oregon). It will be opened to regions outside the United States in the future. For expected markets, please refer to the "the future" folder in the description.